Mich. murder suspect free pending forensic test results

Because an arrest warrant was not issued within 72 hours, the suspect was transferred to the custody of the Wayne County Sheriff's Office on a probation violation warrant

By Mike Martindale
The Detroit News

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — A 45-year-old man questioned last month in the Thanksgiving weekend slaying of an elderly Southfield woman was released pending testing of forensic evidence that could ultimately lead to a warrant, police said.

Police believe Helen Gale, 81, a retired city of Southfield employee who lived alone, was robbed in her home on the 20200 block of Winchester. Her body, burned beyond recognition, was found Nov. 26 in her burned-out car in an alley behind 196 W. Buena Vista St. near Third Street in Highland Park, 13 miles from her home.